Practice Boating Safety

What You Need To Know

Each year, too many Americans are injured or killed due to preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. You ­– as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual – can make a difference.

Start Here

The U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division (CG-5422) is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries, and property damage that occur on U.S. waterways by improving the knowledge, skills, and abilities of recreational boaters. As part of its public outreach mission, it has a host of useful information available online via theBoating Safety Resource Center. Here you can find:

Boat Safety Tips and Resources – Learn how to conduct a vessel safety check, how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, why life jackets matter, initiatives to stop boating under the influence and how to report accidents

Boating Safety Courses – Find the class that is right for you, available both online or offline for sailors, power-boat operators, paddlers and more